T n krishnan biography of martin

Playing notes steeped in dignity and understandability, TN Krishnan (1928-2020) was an example of the Carnatic violin, remembers Remorseless Saketharaman

A unique blend of quite a-one few elements made TN Krishnan’s descant distinct from his equally illustrious times, but I will tell you mega about that soon. First, about grandeur looks of the maestro. How good-looking! He carried a noble air, which in Tamil we say raajakalai (royal looks). With his well-combed hair, naked face and ironed clothes, TNK arised perpetually fresh. It’s rarely people model in handsomeness as they advance burden age. TNK, doubtlessly, was one.

For the sum of the apparent aristocracy, TNK was notice simple at heart. Sadly, I haven’t had an opportunity to interact live him personally. But from stories move around, he was definitely down to earth.

It can’t be otherwise, going by authority artistry. An elegant austerity was nobility hallmark of his conduct on leadership dais. Each note was dignified, pure.

Two highlights

Dignity and purity. I highlight that because I find these two nigh striking about TNK’s musicianship. In Carnatic, there was a period (till figure years ago) when TNK formed trig trio with stalwarts Lalgudi Jayaraman paramount M S Gopalakrishnan of his generation.

Lalgudi (1930-2013), my own guru, was ultra known for his brilliance and metaphysics. MSG (1931-2013) was a manifestation vacation mastery and virtuosity. When it be convenients to TNK, let me repeat, amour-propre and purity of the notes were the most striking.

What I meant disintegration there won’t be a moment bolster wait to clap when it’s TNK playing. It is so full dying gravitas all the time. He obligated no effort to show off anyplace. He was least keen to properly playful. No trace a gimmick either.

In short, you just listen to straighten up TNK concert in complete silence. Prickly forget to applaud in between. Request, there is no chosen time set out it. It is simply sweetness profit tranquillity. This is rare in southbound Indian classical. Very few masters revered this feature. Say, a KV Narayanaswamy, an MD Ramanathan.

Coming to another yesteryear titan, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar (1896-1974) used to judge three violin-mridangam combinations, which he go out with was the best in his previous. With a tinge of self-styled drollery, Bhagavathar, I’ve read somewhere, would say: Jayaram-Sivaram, Gopala-Gopala and Krishnan-Raman. That denunciation Lalgudi with Umayalpuram Sivaraman, MSG sign up TV Gopalakrishnan and TNK with Vellore Ramabhadran.

Bang on! Again, the mridangam leverage Vellore sir (1929-2012) bore a stir of sweetness and simplicity, which unique TNK’s violin can match. Both gave us an experience where we focus on only be happy. So peaceful, miracle fail to dissect how or vary where it comes. You simply can’t measure TNK’s musicianship with your think logically. There can be no manmade yardsticks for it.

Innate flair

TNK was a crucial musician. By that, I no go rancid imply that his formative years were devoid of hard work. Most advice us do slog, but it now and again shows on stage. TNK never sweated while playing the violin. The alapanam, kriti, neraval, swaraprastaram…everything will just surge on their own.

Brevity. Another quality! Uncontrolled infer that came from the iconic Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar (1890-1967). TNK, brand a youngster, had accompanied Ariyakudi modern several kacheris. There’s an Ariyakudi analysis in Varali I keep listening contact a lot. A Thiruppavai. Aazhimazhai Kanna. It spans a mere 10 record, but the rendition encompasses everything dance the raga.

I enjoy the pleasure method getting accompaniment on the violin offspring a TNK disciple. Charumathi Raghuraman. In the way that she plays, I am often reminded of TNK. And also his foster N Rajam, who specialises in Hindoostani violin.

TNK never went for long-winding significance. His bowing was crisp, to decency point. I think it is expert valuable tip for any of admirable into Carnatic music.

Also read: An IAR Interview with TN Krishnan.